UPSIDE Down: reversed in position

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According to Webster Dictionary, upside down means

: in such a way that the upper and the lower parts are reversed in position

Basically it means the reverse of what’s normal.

If we’re going to be people that really turn the world upside down as Paul did in Acts, we’re gonna have to go against the norm.

When I look at the life of the New Testament’s greatest heroes, it’s impossible not to see this trend…

  • Jesus healed on the Sabbath.
  • Paul preached Jesus in the temple.
  • Peter said that Jesus was for more than just Jews.
  • Stephen refused to give up.

If we’re going to change the world, we must reverse our position. I’m not talking about being a social outcast or being so weird that no one will have anything to do with us, but rather we react differently from the norm to circumstances and situations…

  • We love when others hate.
  • We have faith when others panic.
  • We give when others are taking.
  • We forgive when others hold anger.
  • We stay faithful when others give up.
  • We seek God when others just want out.
  • We obey when others turn away.

It’s this kind of “reverse thinking” that is going to turn the world upside down. It’s not a Christian on a corner with a bullhorn or another placing tracts on the back of the toilet to get peed on, it’s acting out REAL faith…becoming more like Jesus…loving more like Jesus. That’s the only way we’ll ever be able to…

turn the world UPSIDE down.


Comments

15 responses to “UPSIDE Down: reversed in position”

  1. Good stuff Jonathan. In acts 2 & 4 we read how the Church as a whole demonstrated the kingdom of God now on the earth. I believe the breaking of the power of Mammon(money) is a key element in truly being an upside down society too. As a Church and individuals we will be released in a far greater measure to win the lost and lonely people of this world for Jesus. This link takes you to what we have been discovering on the journey of ‘all things in common’ http://www.newcreation.org.uk/nccc/

  2. That’s good stuff dude… “acting out REAL faith” I like!

  3. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jonathan Pearson, Jonathan Pearson. Jonathan Pearson said: Blogged:: UPSIDE Down: reversed in position https://jonathanpearson.net/2011/01/upside-down-reversed-in-position/ […]

  4. Elena Haupricht Avatar
    Elena Haupricht

    The Bible often asks us to do the things most people wouldn’t do..Love your neighbor (as yourself)..Do unto others as you would have done to you..even when you’d like to slap them. But, we are making a difference when we do the right thing, when the right thing isn’t happening to us….like saying I’m sorry when you know the whole thing wasn’t your fault to start with. It may not do anything in this realm, but it shakes heaven and that is what matters the most.

  5. Sean Avatar
    Sean

    You are talking about the real power of the gospel, the thing that people are looking for: wha makes things different? If they can see a believer struggle (as we all do, we just don’t always let people know) and then see them overcome their difficulty – in suffering, in relationship, and with sin – then there is good news. If we aren’t “upside down” like this (hope in the face of difficulty) then we are just talking.

    1. I never wanna be someone that “just talks.” Thanks Sean!

  6. that was good stuff and hits home right now. thanks man.

  7. Ok dude…I’m with you on everything but this…

    “placing tracts on the back of the toilet to get peed on”

    Come on. Women think horrible stuff about our bathroom aim without making it appear we miss the bowl by feet! :)

    1. Haha… that one may not be true for everyone!

  8. Great post man!
    It reminds me of something my former pastor used to say: The Kingdom of God is an upside down Kingdom. It’s not about trying to be on top, getting rich, separating ourselves from “those” people. It literally is contrary to everything of the world. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, serve more than you are served, the last and least are the greatest.

    Thanks for the reminder!

    1. Great stuff! Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for sharing!

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